Apple uses AI to simplify Shortcuts app, letting users describe automation tasks in natural language instead of building them manually

Apple introduced AI-powered natural-language shortcuts in the first developer beta of iPadOS 26, allowing users to type commands like "Send a text to Anna with three kissy emojis" to create automated tasks. The feature also extends to Safari browser extensions, which users can create by typing descriptions such as "copy the page as a Markdown link."

The system works by interpreting natural-language requests and navigating app databases to execute them, similar to "vibe-coding" (creating scripts by describing what you want rather than writing code formally). Apple has unique access to user data like location and app logins, enabling more powerful automation than typical third-party vibe-coding platforms.

In the first beta, the feature works only partially: simple tasks like sending emoji texts succeed, but more complex automations—such as conditional triggers or multi-step camera operations—fail or produce incorrect results. Shortcuts directed users back to the standard manual editor when third-party apps were involved, indicating developers still need to add support for the feature.